East Dunbartonshire Council - in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland - are challenging residents to declutter and help the environment by putting unwanted technology to good use.
In Scotland 32 per cent of people say that they have an old smartphone tucked away, while a quarter admit to hoarding a digital camera they no longer use and 19 per cent say they still have a computer or laptop they do not need. Many potentially re-usable items are sent to landfill, including 365,000 TVs, while every year the average household in the UK spends about £800 on new electrical and electronic goods.
The Council’s Waste Team and Zero Waste Scotland are asking residents to get involved with its “Big Electric Amnesty” as part of this year’s Pass it on Week (11-19 March 2017), by donating unwanted electrical items for re-use.
Councillor Stewart MacDonald, Convenor of the Neighbourhood Services Committee for East Dunbartonshire Council, said, “This Pass it on Week, we want residents to think about the value in their unwanted tech. Not only could it mean a lot to someone else but everyone also has a part to play in helping Scotland achieve its zero waste ambitions. Re-use is a key factor in that.
“Re-use helps the Council by reducing the pressure on waste, bulky uplift and recycling services and can discourage fly-tipping too.
“So, if there’s still life in your old gadgets, gizmos and electricals, don’t hoard them, get them out of the cupboard and into our donation box.
“After the week, the items will be collected and any data left on any devices will be professionally deleted.”
Boxes for the collection of computers, laptops, printers, phones, tablets, IT/electronic accessories, household electrical and other small working electrical items will be at the following locations during Pass it on Week:
- Kirkintilloch Community Hub
- Lennoxtown Community Hub
- Bearsden Community Hub
- The Leisuredrome, Bishopbriggs
- Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre
- The Allander Sports Centre, Bearsden
Larger electrical items such as televisions can be recycled at the Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centre at Mavis Valley in Bishopbriggs.
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